The Equalizer Season 2 Episode 4: Joyride
Aired on CBS: October 29, 1986
Directed by: Russ Mayberry
Written by : Jim Trombetta, Charles Grant Craig
Featuring: Christian Slater, Kristen Vigard, Cleavant Derricks, Eddie Jones, Ron O'Neal, Mark Margolis
A 16 year old Christian Slater stars as Michael Winslow (just let that sink in for a minute) who stumbles into a dangerous world of drugs after taking joyride in a hearse which contains a coffin filled with crack. I mean, do we still need to keep describing this episode? It should go without saying that this world of drugs is nowhere near reality. Also the Equalizer is at his most bloodthirsty, just going around murdering criminals. Another can't miss episode.
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Shades of Darkness

The Equalizer aired on CBS from 1985 to 1989. It inspired two Denzel Washington movies and a reboot with Queen Latifah, but the original series with Edward Woodward is largely forgotten (It can be streamed on nbc.com or the NBC Roku app. Your move, Peacock). In a perfect world, it would receive all the nostalgic love of your MacGyver, your Magnum PI, your A Team, your Knight Rider. The premise - a retired special agent puts an ad in the paper to help those who feel the odds are against them (take that, paper clips and talking cars). Never heard of it? Not a problem. Vince, Chris, and Chuck take a deep dive into the show one episode at a time - incredibly absurd plots, well-known guest stars in every episode (sometimes 4 or 5!), and all other aspects of this show that make it a true hidden gem.
Note: This is pure episodic TV, very few larger plots and themes, so no need to listen in order. This podcast, like say the celebrated show Parks+Rec, had a gestation period, and our full crew kicked in on season 1 episode 16, so you might want to skip ahead.
Photo Credit: Bill Heck